I started working in this industry 14 years ago, initially at Android Central. I remember 2011 vividly – one phone really stood out: the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play. It was a smartphone that cleverly brought PlayStation gaming into the mix.
By 2026, the original idea will be revived, though not by Sony. AYANEO, a company famous for its portable gaming devices that use Android, is releasing the Pocket Play to bring it back to life.
Just watching the introductory video has me really enthusiastic about this device. While other companies have attempted gaming phones recently, this one feels different and stands out from the rest.
Check out the retro video of the Sony Xperia Play – it perfectly illustrates the idea. This phone had a full gaming controller that slid out from the back, so you didn’t have to deal with awkward on-screen controls or extra attachments.
Mobile gaming in 2011 wasn’t very impressive overall, except for Minecraft Pocket Edition, which was a real gem. The concept behind it was brilliant, and even though I didn’t have one myself, I always wanted an Xperia Play after trying it out.
By 2026, the gaming environment will be much more suitable for devices like the AYANEO Pocket Play. We’re now seeing console-level games available on mobile platforms, as demonstrated by the recent release of Red Dead Redemption.
And of course, you can also play games using cloud gaming. The AYANEO Pocket Play would be great for playing games like Forza Horizon 5 while you’re traveling, or for enjoying classic retro games.
We still don’t know many details about this new phone. There’s no information yet on how much it will cost, when it will be released, or what’s under the hood. What we *do* know is that it’s a smartphone with a sliding section that includes a D-Pad, action buttons (A, B, X, Y), and two touchpads.
It looks fantastic, and it’s great to see a company revisiting the idea behind the original Xperia Play. That phone was ahead of its time – much like the Windows Phone, actually – but now, with current technology, this concept could really succeed.
Follow along on its Kickstarter page if you’re interested. I know I am.
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2025-12-12 15:39